Mystery as Canadian houseboat washes up on Irish Beach

Mystery as Canadian houseboat washes up on Irish Beach

A houseboat believed to have been built by an environmentalist in Canada has washed up on an Irish beach. The vessel is thought to have drifted across the Atlantic, and was spotted as late as September in Portugal Cove-St Philip’s in Newfoundland.

The coastguard was alerted by a member of the public who spotted the caravan-sized structure floating on the coast.

The boat is believed to have been built by eco-adventurer Rick Small, from Thunder Bay, Canada.

Inside the the vessel there is a note that reads: “I, Rick Small, donate this structure to a homeless youth to give them a better life that Newfoundlanders choose not to do! No rent, no mortgage, no hydro”.

Mr Small gained attention in his native country after previously fitting out a three-wheeled bike with solar panels, which powered him across 7,000 km of Canada.

Michael Hurst, an officer in charge of the Ballyglass Coast guard in County Mayo, was tasked with securing the unusual vessel. read more at bbc.com